$4.2 Million Dollars Granted Locally Since 1998
Since its inception in 1982, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization has invested $1.3 billion dollars in breast cancer research. It is the world’s largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to curing breast cancer at every stage – from the causes, to the cures, to the pain and anxiety of every moment in between.
Locally, twenty-five percent of the Knoxville Affiliate’s net income supports the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Award and Research Grant Program. In FY 2010-11, it funded $213,403 to the program for life-saving breast cancer research.
In addition to funding national breast cancer research, Komen and its Domestic Affiliate Network fund non-duplicative Community Grants for breast-health education, screening services and treatment support for the uninsured/underinsured.
Since its founding in 1997, the Knoxville Affiliate has granted more than $4.2 million dollars in Community Grants to 501c3 organizations that serve its 16-county service area (Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Sevier, Scott and Union).
For FY 2010-11, the Komen Knoxville Affiliate granted $510,839 to the following service area initiatives:
Cathy L. Hodges Memorial Cancer Foundation
Helping with Life's Necessities
The Cathy L. Hodges Memorial Cancer Foundation was formed in 1995 with donations received from friends, relatives and acquaintances in memory of Cathy Hodges, whose courageous battle with breast cancer lasted more than eight years. During that time, she and her family encountered many other cancer patients whose battle for life included financial deficiencies making it difficult to meet their basic needs. It was her desire to have this Foundation established to help those in need. All personnel and administrative needs are volunteered which allows every dollar to go to help cancer patients pay for food, clothing, housing, transportation, utilities, etc.
Celebrate Life Cancer Support Group
Project C.L.E.A.R.
“Project C.L.E.A.R.” (Celebrate Life Enriching and Renewing) reaches out to rural patients with assistance during their lowest point in battling breast cancer. Women are encouraged to share with other cancer patients during monthly group meetings. Project C.L.E.A.R. provides direct financial aid to patients in need of support when treatment expenses cause financial hardship in day-to-day living.
Hope for Today Cancer Support Group
Project H.O.P.E.
“Project H.O.P.E.” (Helping Oncology Patients Endure) helps breast cancer patients endure their diagnosis with travel expenses to treatment centers, physical aids (prostheses, bras, etc), utility payments, housing expenses and medication as needed. The monthly support group, Hope for Today, is open to patients and their families as well.
Rural Medical Services, Inc.
Reducing Breast Health Disparities in Cocke, Jefferson & Surrounding Counties in East Tennessee
“Reducing Breast Health Disparities” will provide breast cancer screening, education and outreach services to low-income, uninsured women of all races and ethnicities in Cocke, Jefferson, and Grainger counties, and the Hispanic populations of Hamblen, Greene and Sevier counties. These services will also include screening mammograms for uninsured women between the ages of 40 and 49, as well as transportation for diagnostic tests and treatment as needed.
Thompson Cancer Survival Center
Driving to Make a Difference in Breast Cancer Morbidity and Mortality Rates in Underserved Populations
“Driving to Make a Difference” is a breast health screening and education program designed to reach high-risk populations with potentially life-saving mammography and information about breast exams and clinical breast exams. These populations include minorities, namely Hispanics and African Americans, women living in rural areas and women with minimal financial resources and poor accessibility.
Thompson Cancer Survival Center
Bridging the Gap: Focus on Survivors' Needs Related to Treatment of Breast Cancer
“Bridging the Gap” provides supportive services to women impacted by a diagnosis of breast cancer. Services include psycho-social support to groups such as those specifically designed for the needs of young or African American survivors. The programs also provides genetic counseling, testing and financial support.
TN Department of Health-Breast and Cervical Screening Program
The BeST (Breast Screening and Treatment) for Tennessee Women Project targets uninsured and underinsured women in the Knoxville Affiliate service area for breast cancer screening, diagnostic test and treatment services, if necessary. Eligibility and clinical breast exams are completed at the county health office and women are referred to area providers for mammograms and other diagnostics. The goals of the project are to reach and serve at least 475 women by improving access, explaining procedures and providing case management as necessary. Women diagnosed with breast cancer are immediately enrolled in TennCare for treatment.
University of Tennessee Medical Center-Pastoral Care Department
Weekend Warriors
“Weekend Warriors” is a collaboration with at least 25 community church leaders to provide a comprehensive breast health programs and access to screening mammograms. Outreach efforts will include: accessibility to a user-friendly system for early detection and treatment of breast cancer; and accessibility to breast health/cancer education at an accessible, familiar place.
University of Tennessee Medical Center, Cancer Institute
UT Breast Health Outreach Program (BHOP)
The UT Breast Health Outreach Program is a grassroots community effort with a main goal of changing the breast health behavior of rural, medically underserved Appalachian and minority women. The UT BHOP has expanded its efforts to reach all underserved women in the Knoxville Affiliate service area through the increased availability and enhancement of personalized education programs and access to screening mammograms.
More information on how to apply for a Community Grant is available at www.komenknoxville.org or by calling 865-588-0902.
